Bennison N wrote: |
Now... Hearing that there are techniques which, in your opinion, no-one presently living (so far) can perform, is just exactly the type of challenge I like to accept. If possible, would you be able to give me a link to a copy of Fabris' second volume (or a copy), or a similar volume of difficult advanced rapier or arming sword techniques? Since hearing of these manuals, I have managed to only locate excerpts and short copies, and to be perfectly honest, I didn't even know there was a Fabris part two. I am firm in my belief that I can use my personalised custom jian to perform these techniques... eventually. I'm only 30, I have all the time in the world, fate willing. And in any case, it gives me a whole wealth of new techniques to add to my practice and matching, and jianshu experts know jianshu, they may not recognise western styles, which may give me an edge during my next season of matches in Asia (coming soon... I'm trying to build up the holiday pay from work... Haha!). |
The problem isn't that the motions of the techniques are difficult, or that they are even difficult conceptually. The problem is that in order to do them, you have to have completely mastered the technical fundamentals and you have to have complete mastery of tempo and measure.
Bennison N wrote: |
In the past, I have watched modern rapier matches, and found them to be what I can only describe as "withheld", as the participants fear accidental or intentional damage far more than I think is acceptable for free and expressive use of weapons. I believe that advanced techniques devised in an age where continuing to exist often relied entirely on your skill with a blade will be far more revealing as to the possibilities... and limits (heaven forbid...). |
Actually, I usually see the complete opposite--people charging in with no fear of the opponent's weapon. This works well in a tournament situation which rewards aggressive fencers (look at modern epee), but is not good when a mistake can injure or kill you.
Bennison N wrote: |
Is it possible, though, that these apparently near-impossible techniques are merely theories Fabris thought up and put on paper, but never actually tested or practiced? It doesn't matter. I would sincerely appreciate your knowledgeable assistance in acquiring them for my ongoing perfection of my art. You really seem to know a lot about the contents of these manuals... Do you practise them yourself? |
I doubt that he put anything in there he couldn't do. I also don't think Book 2 is something you can study in isolation. That is, if you want to learn them, expect to spend 5+ years mastering the stuff in book 1 first (and I think 5 years is extremely optimistic). I have only practiced the first technique each of sword-alone and sword and dagger. That was a few years ago, before I had developed the skill. However, I think that I *might* be ready to look at the 1st sword-alone technique again.
Steve